Being stuck in the city kinda sucks. Seeing nothing but the greys of concrete can get a little exhausting, and even a walk in the park can feel a little artificial when smog still blankets the sky. "Detoxing" is a very popular term now especially in terms of dieting, but we all need a little away time from the city every once in a while to enjoy nature. One of the most accessible mountain treks near Manila is Pico de Loro. The mountain, not the SM development. Just a couple hours away, the walk is quite long and there are few areas with really great views. The path passes through a lot of dense forest, and it isn't until you reach the top that the view really opens up. The most important tips I can give would be to bring a mask since it gets a little dusty, and to bring shoes that don't slip. The climb up to the peak is a bit slippery, and those with no experience might slip and slide more than they'd like. A walking stick could help, and it's important to keep a buddy system to make sure nobody tumbles into a ditch. read more
